New York Yankees Midseason 2018 Top 50 Prospects

Picture of Antonio Cabello

The New York Yankees farm system is one of the deepest systems in baseball. NY is one of the few organizations to field 4 short season Rookie ball teams and 1 Short Season-A ball team. The system is loaded with fireballers.  Part of this is scouting. The Yankees have been major players in the international free agent market the past few years and have signed 23 more guys in the past month. Once these guys get into the system, it’s up to Minor League Pitching Coordinator Danny Borrell to untap their potential. Borrell is a master at increasing spin and velocity. He is the reason NY is loaded with young fireballers. In fact, between Pulaski and Staten Island, the Yankees have 5 guys whose FBs average 98+ mph.

On the offensive side, the system is light on impact bats with Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar graduating and crushing MLB pitching. The system has a lot of athletic but raw talents that are learning to hit.

So while the system lacks a true top 20 talent, very few systems have the quality of arms that really allows Cashman to go out and get whatever the big league club needs without losing much depth at all.

Prospects 1500 Tiers:

Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an all-star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact (e.g. middle reliever, low ceiling UT guys)
Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a teams 40-man roster


Tier 1
None…..yet. I think Sheffield could reach Tier 1, especially if he continues to hang around Sabathia. I think there is a bit of risk to put multi-year All-Star on him since his ceiling is a mid-rotation SP. Florial is a bit too raw at this point but has the highest ceiling of any position player in the system. Luis Medina could be an ace if he could improve his control. ALL are attached with risk, so I can’t comfortably put those expectations on them even though I think they could reach this tier.


Tier 2
1. Justus Sheffield, LHP
Age: 22 (5/13/96) Prev. Rank: 3
Level: AAA

Sheffield commands 4 pitches. His FB touches 96 and under the tutelage of C.C. Sabathia has seen improvement on his cutter. The SL and CH flash plus with the CH lagging a bit behind the SL. The pitch still profiles as an above average weapon. He has taken huge strides in 2018 keeping the ball off the barrel and profiles as a mid-rotation He’s been dealing in AAA. FV 55 – Moderate risk

2. Estevan Florial, CF
Age: 20 (11/25/97) Prev. Rank: 2
Level: A+

It’s easy to scout the stat line and assume Florial has regressed. He has not. In Florial’s 2017 breakout, he showed true 30-30 potential but was plagued with poor pitch recognition and expanding the zone. Despite the high K rate, Florial has shown marked improvement on laying offspeed away. That has lead to increase BB rate. Despite the progress, Florial’s swing is still a bit long in the zone on off-speed for strikes. Pitchers have consistently stayed away from throwing him fastballs in the zone. I wouldn’t worry about the low average at this point. Florial may have the loudest tools in the minors and is a superb athlete with a plus work ethic. Things will click. When they do, he could easily become a Tier 1 prospect and Top 10 overall in the game. Patience…. FV 60 – High Risk

3. Jonathan Loaisiga, RHP
Age: 23 (11/2/94) Prev. Rank: 25
Level: MLB

Loaisiga started the season in High-A Tampa and dominated with 26 K’s and 1 BB in 20 IP. The Yankees have moved him fast, promoting him to AA and then to NY where he flashed a plus curve ball striking out 21 in 18 IP. His FB sits mid 90’s, touching the upper 90’s and his CH is above average and firm. Loaisiga is a strike thrower than can command the bottom half of the zone. He is a bit undersized and it remains to be seen if his arm can hold up for a full season’s workload. FV 55 – Moderate Risk

4. Domingo Acevedo, RHP
Age: 24 (3/6/94) Prev. Rank: 8
Level: AA

Acevedo has everything you want in a SP. A large projectable frame, 80 grade FB, and 2 above average off-speed offerings. After pitching in 133 IP in 2017, injuries have limited him in 2018 and durability will be the big question mark concerning his ability to remain in the rotation. Acevedo’s floor is a dominant middle RP where his plus FB plays up. FV 55 – High Risk

5. Mike King, RHP
Age: 23 (5/25/95) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: AAA

Much like Loaisiga, King has ascended the minor league levels with ease, featuring a 3 pitch mix: FB, SL, CH. He has a deceptive low ¾ delivery and attacks the bottom half of the zone. King utilizes both a 2-seam and 4-seam FB. The 2-seamer is used to induce weak GB contact and has natural sink and run while King elevates the 4-seam for swinging strikes. His SL is 82-84 with sharp tilt while the CH is fringe. Despite the lack of movement on his CH, King’s arm speed remains the same as the FB/SL and he is able to keep the CH down in the zone. FV 55- Moderate

6. Clarke Schmidt, RHP
Age: 22 (2/20/96) Prev. Rank: 15
Level: SS-A

Schmidt was the Yankees’ 2017 1st rounder. Recovering from Tommy John, Schmidt should move quickly in 2019. As for 2018, the elbow is healthy and Schmidt has shown good command, albeit against younger, inferior competition. He features a low-to-mid 90’s FB and average to above-average SL, CB, and CH with above average control and feel for all 4 pitches. He has a ¾ arm slot and thick lower half despite not being a big guy. The delivery and injury history are cause for concern but for now, Yankees brass are pleased with where Schmidt is. FV 55 – High Risk

7. Trevor Stephan, RHP
Age: 22 (11/25/95) Prev. Rank: 23
Level: AA

Stephan has a big, strong frame at 6’5″ 225 lbs. His delivery is deceptive, throwing across his body from a low ¾ slot. His FB touches 97 with run and his SL flashes plus with 2 plane tilt. He mixes both pitches well. In order to stick in the rotation, his CH will need to improve. Currently, the pitch is fringe. FV 55  – High Risk

8. Roansy Contreras, RHP
Age: 18 (11/7/99) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: A

Athletic, projectable frame with plus FB. FB averages 98 mph. CB flashes plus with high spin and power. Contreras’ delivery is clean and repeatable. Shows good feel for off speed. CH is still a work in progress but flashes above-average with firmness. FV 60 – Extreme Risk

9. Deivi Garcia, RHP
Age: 19 (5/19/99) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: A+

Garcia is an undersized RHP with two 70 grade pitches. His FB sits low to mid 90’s and his CB is a high spin rate hammer. He has a bit of short arm delivery that adds deception. He throws a CH that grades as a fringe pitch for now. All that has lead to a ridiculous 14.1 K/9 on the season and a .176 average against. Garcia’s ceiling is limited by his small frame and lack of body projection.  FV 55 – Extreme Risk

10. Luis Medina, RHP
Age: 19 (5/3/99) Prev. Rank: 11
Level: Adv. Rookie

When it comes to pure stuff, Medina may have the best stuff in the organization, nay the minors. Medina’s FB sizzles out of his hands at 99 mph. His CB is a power curve, 12-6 breaking hammer, and his CH is firm at 91. The problem is control and command. Medina is lost at times on the mound and appears to have gotten worse repeating the Appy League this season. To date, Medina has walked 29 in 23 IP. Medina is still raw and unpolished. If the command ever clicks, Medina could profile as a top of the rotation SP. FV 60 – Extreme Risk

11. Everson Pereira, OF
Age: 17 (4/10/01) Prev. Rank: 33
Level: Adv. Rookie

Pereira has a mature approach at the plate for his age with quick bat speed. Like most young players, he will need to refine his approach a bit and trust his hands more. There is swing and miss currently due to poor pitch recognition but the tools are there. There is some pop in the bat but his power is more gap power at present. Defensively, Pereira will stick in CF and has plus speed. He has an athletic projectable frame and should add strength without sacrificing quickness and speed. FV 55 – Moderate Risk

12. Chance Adams, RHP
Age:  24 (8/10/94) Prev. Rank: 4
Level: MLB

Adams was once considered the top arm in the Yankees’ system but has since fallen due to continued command issues. The lack of command has lead to some ugly numbers in AAA, however, there is still a lot to like. Adams’ stuff is still missing bats, posting a 9.4 K/9 with a .221 average against. Better fastball command will decrease his walk rate and HR rate. If this happens, his stuff plays as a mid rotation SP. FV 50 – Moderate Risk

13. Anthony Seigler, C
Age: 19 (6/20/99) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: Adv. Rookie

The Yankees’ 2018 1st round pick has had little problem adjusting to pro-ball. He has a smaller frame, but shows good wrist strength and barrel control. A switch hitter (and switch-pitcher in HS), Seigler doesn’t profile for much power. As a catcher, he is athletic as hell with good footwork and quickness. He is aggressive with throws and features a 70 grade cannon. FV 50 – High Risk

14. Garrett Whitlock, RHP
Age: 22 (6/11/96) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: AA

The Yankees got a steal in the 2017 MLB Draft selecting Whitlock in the 18th round. He has a prototypical pitchers body at 6’5 with a high waist and strong lower half. Whitlock has a funky delivery, ¾ arm action and across body, that adds deception. His FB sits 93-94 and his SL is sharp with 2 plane tilt. Whitlock’s CH is fringe. He elevates the FB for swing and miss and can also sink it. He pounds the zone and generates weak contact. FV 55 – Moderate Risk

15. Erik Swanson, RHP
Age: 24 (9/4/93) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: AAA

Swanson has a prototypical pitcher’s body at 6’3” 235 lbs. His FB touches 97 with run and generates swing and miss. He is a FB dominant pitcher and occasionally loses command within the zone, leading to some hard contact. He also throws a slider and change-up. Swanson will need to trust the off-speed more in hitters counts in order to fool MLB hitters consistently enough to stick in the rotation. FV 50 – High Risk

16. Matt Sauer, RHP
Age: 19 (1/21/99) Prev. Rank: 14
Level: SS-A

Sauer has a projectable body at 6’4” and 195 lbs and should add weight without losing his current athleticism. His FB touches 97 and his CB is a tight-spinning hammer. The CH needs refinement in order to remain in the rotation long term. The delivery is a bit funky but he is still young and raw with time to clean it up. His ceiling is mid-rotation SP if/when the CH develops. FV 50 – High Risk

17. Antonio Cabello, OF
Age: 17 (11/1/00) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: Rookie

Cabello signed for $1.35 million in 2017 and has shined in the GCL. He has s small frame but is sturdy and strong. At the plate, he is aggressive with a pull happy approach. He has plus bat speed and is a plus runner. His athleticism has allowed the Yankees to transition him to CF, from behind the plate, where his defense is still a work in progress. Despite the aggressive pull approach, Cabello has a good feel for the barrel and will work the count. When he learns to hit to RCF with authority, watch out. FV 55 – Moderate Risk

18. Luis Gil, RHP
Age: 20 (6/3/98) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: Adv. Rookie

Gil is a slender, athletic fireballer with an 80 grade FB that touches triple digits. He elevates the FB to generate swing and miss and the CB is a hammer. Those two pitches alone have allowed Gil to dominate the Appy League despite poor command and the lack of a true 3rd pitch. His CH is a work in progress and if it comes along, he could become a solid 2 or 3 in the rotation. FV 55 – Extreme Risk

19. Nolan Martinez, RHP
Age: 20 (6/30/98) Prev. Rank: 19
Level: A

Martinez is a raw, athletic RHP that features a high spin rate FB with plus body projection. His CB flashes spin as well and with added strength, could see both pitches improve to plus offerings. As with most of these young righties in the Yankees’ system, it’s all about the third pitch. Martinez’s CH lacks feel and consistency but he has time to develop it. His control is better than a lot of the youngsters in the system which adds to his upside. FV 50 – Extreme Risk


Tier 3
20. Nick Nelson, RHP
Age: 22 (12/5/95) Prev. Rank: 20
Level: AA

Nelson flashes two plus pitches in a FB that sits 97 and a hard biting CB that has a slurvy feel to it. He is working on controlling the FB within the zone and his two pitches play up in the FSL leading to a lot of missed bats. Command/control remain an issue with close to 5 BB/9 in High A and 4 walks in 4 IP in AA. Nelson is a bulldog competitor on the mound whose stuff plays way up out of the bullpen. The strength and athleticism though are worth developing as a SP. If the CH comes along with improved command, Nelson could crack the back end of the rotation. FV 50 Extreme Risk

 21. Albert Abreu, RHP
Age: 22 (9/26/95) Prev. Rank: 6
Level: A+

Abreu is a consensus Top 100 prospect on a lot of major lists. Having seen four starts though, I disagree. The FB sits 97-98 but is fairly straight. His CB/Slurve flashes some spin but he only works one side of the plate with it, front door to RHH. His CH is firm and is a weapon against LHH. However, hitters in the FSL have been comfortable in the box, especially RHH. Abreu’s FB is easy to pick up and has been hit hard. Abreu throws about 75% FB too showing a lack of feel/confidence in the off-speed. In my viewings, he generates 1-2 swing-and-misses on the FB per game, which is not enough to navigate any lineup, much less an MLB one. A move to the bullpen is inevitable where is his stuff “could” play up. FV 45 – Extreme Risk

22. Thairo Estrada, SS
Age: 22 (2/22/96) Prev. Rank: 10
Level: AAA

Estrada’s 2018 season has been lost to injury, only appearing in 18 games. When healthy, Estrada is a plus defender with a strong accurate arm. He dazzled at SS in the Arizona Fall League in 2017 and could play at the MLB level. He has a good feel for the barrel and makes solid contact. His swing is linear but he flashes good bat speed. There is some untapped power in the bat which could make him an intriguing option going into 2019. The hip injury and the back injury are cause for concern though and could limit his ceiling offensively. FV 45 – Low Risk

23. Josh Breaux, C
Age: 20 (10/7/97) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: SS A

Breaux is a strong, sturdy catcher with a lot of pop. The bat speed and raw power are intriguing as well as the plus arm behind the plate. Breaux is still raw at the plate with the potential for swing and miss due to an aggressive approach. Defensively, Breaux will get a chance to stick behind the plate where he is still a work in progress.  FV 45- Extreme Risk

24. Abiatal Avelino, SS
Age: 23 (2/14/95) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: AAA

Avelino’s defense is his carrying tool. He isn’t the SS that Estrada is, but he plays adequate defense with a plus arm. He flashed game power this season in Trenton but has struggled to carry over his success at the plate in AAA. He profiles as a utility infielder with good speed. His lack of walks leaves him open to struggling against advanced pitchers. FV 45- Moderate Risk

25. Freicer Perez, RHP
Age: 22 (3/14/96) Prev. Rank: 7
Level: A+

After struggling through four starts in Tampa, Perez was shut down for the season due to shoulder surgery. When I saw him early on, I saw a pitcher that struggled to repeat his delivery, which was extremely stiff and unathletic with poor command. Perez breezed through the Sally in 2017 where his plus FB at 99 generates a lot of swing and miss. Against advanced hitters, Perez struggled to throw strikes and use his off-speed effectively. He should be back in time for instructs. His plus size and stuff are worth keeping an eye on and make him an intriguing bounceback prospect for 2019. FV 50- Extreme Risk

26. Juan De Paula, RHP
Age: 20 (9/22/97) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: Adv. Rookie

De Paula is a lanky, loose righthander with a plus FB that reaches 97-98. His CB and CH are still a work in progress as is the command. He still has a lot of filling out to do with good body projection left and could see uptick in FB velocity. Ultimately though, his success depends on the off-speed pitches and command. There is a ceiling of a SP and where he fits into the rotation will ultimately be determined by the command of his CB/CH. FV 50- Extreme Risk

27. Phillip Diehl, LHP
Age: 24 (7/16/94) Prev. Rank: 31
Level: AA

Diehl is the 2nd LHP and first reliever on the list. In 48.2 IP in Tampa, he registered a ridiculous 14.75 K/9 and was without a doubt, the best RP I’ve seen this year. His FB sits 92-93 and he throws a Bugs Bunny CH that flashes plus. He has an athletic delivery and attacks the bottom half of the zone. There is some deception in the delivery that allows his FB to play up even more so. He could be a fast mover and find himself in the NY bullpen in 2019. FV 50 – Low Risk

28. Isiah Gilliam, OF
Age: 22 (7/23/96) Prev. Rank: 41
Level: A+

Gilliam is a phenomenal athlete with a plus body. A switch-hitter, Gilliam is much better from the right side.  His swing RH is more compact with plus raw power. From the left side, he has made huge strides. Early in the season, he was on his front foot, with no lower half to his swing, causing his swing to lengthen. His approach has improved as the season progresses and he is showing the ability to drive the ball with authority. Pitch recognition is his Achilles heel. Gilliam is hyper aggressive and rarely works the count. He will expand the zone and chase limiting his hit tool to a potential 45 at best. However, he is a plus athlete with a strong arm in RF. FV 45- High Risk

29. Rony Garcia, RHP
Age: 20 (12/19/97) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: A+

Big projectable frame with a chance to increase FB velocity as the body matures. Currently works 90-94 on the FB with a potential average to above-average SL. CH is firm but overthrown. Garcia is a competitor with good command. FB dominant mix, will need to trust secondaries more to reach ceiling. FV 50 – Extreme Risk

30. Glenn Otto, RHP
Age: 22 (3/11/96) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: A

Otto features two plus pitches with a FB that touches 97 and a tight CB that flashes 12-6. He has a fairly high ceiling as a reliever, but the Yankees are developing him as a SP. The CH is below average as is the command. He has a plus body that should hold up to starting. 2018 has been a lost year of development due to a blood clot in his shoulder. If he is able to harness his stuff and add a 3rd pitch, Otto’s ceiling is in the rotation. But he needs to get healthy first. FV 45 – Extreme Risk

31. Harold Cortijo, RHP
Age: 20 (4/27/98) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: SS-A

Cortijo has a slender, athletic frame with projection. The FB sits low 90’s but his best pitch is a CH that tunnels into RHH. His breaking pitch is fringy but Cortijo has good feel and arm speed on the FB/CH combo that he keeps both sides off balance. He also has good command of the bottom of the strike zone. If he adds some size, I expect his velocity to increase which makes him a perfect under the radar prospect for 2019. FV 45- Moderate Risk

32. Juan Then, RHP
Age: 18 (2/7/00) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: Rookie

Then has a small frame but the body is projectable. He throws FB/CB/CH mix with average command. He doesn’t generate a ton of swing and miss but shows good feel and pitchability. He is still raw and will need to get stronger in order to stick in the rotation. FV 45- High Risk

33. Brandon Wagner, 3B
Age: 22 (8/24/95) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: AA

Wagner has a strong, physical build and a left-handed swing that is tailor made for Yankee Stadium. His swing has natural loft but gets a bit long and he will expand the zone on off-speed pitches with two strikes. He is a fairly patient hitter that will work deep in the count. There isn’t a FB though that Wagner doesn’t like and he has shown little problems barreling premium velocity. He is extremely quick inside. He profiles as 1B/DH platoon player that can provide serious pop off the bench. FV 45 – Moderate Risk

34. Diego Castillo, SS
Age: 20 (10/28/97) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: A+

A look at Castillo’s numbers in Tampa don’t tell the whole story. He has excellent barrel control and makes consistent hard contact. At only 20, he will get stronger , which should lead to increased doubles power. Castillo is an aggressive hitter and will need to improve pitch recognition in order to translate his bat speed and barrel control into game power. Presently, he has the hands and arm to stick at SS and is a high energy player. FV 45 – Moderate Risk


Tier 4
35. Tyler Wade, 2B
Age: 23 (11/23/94) Prev. Rank: 20
Level: MLB

Wade has received two cups of coffee in NYY in 2017 and 2018 and has struggled to the tune of a .495 OPS. Listed a 6’1” 185 lbs., Wade looks a lot bigger in person. He has a good feel for the barrel and is a plus runner. His versatility and left-handedness works in his favor and he should provide quality depth on the infield. I do think there is some power in his bat that is untapped. FV 45- Low Risk

36. JP Sears, LHP
Age: 22 (2/19/96) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: A

The Yankees have a knack for taking relievers and turning them into SP. With a lack of LHP prospects, Sears headlines the lower levels. The results so far have been good in terms of stretching him out but his stuff does play down a bit in the rotation. At worst he transitions back to the pen where he profiles as multi-inning weapon with swing and miss stuff in small spurts. FV 45- Extreme Risk

37. Dom Thompson-Williams, OF
Age: 23 (4/21/95) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: A+

DTW is an excellent athlete with a strong build. After slugging .810 with 5 HR in 10 games at Charleston, he has continued to hit in Tampa, posting an .801 OPS. There is a concern with the swing as he drops his hands low at load. The swing is long and he struggles against FB’s up in the zone. However, he continues to hit with power. It remains to be seen if more advanced pitchers will be able to exploit the holes in his swing. Until then, he profiles as a 4th OF that can hit the ball out of the park with good speed. FV 40 – High Risk

38. Hoy Jun Park, SS
Age: 22 (4/7/96) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: A+

Park profiles a utility IF with above average pitch recognition and a good feel for the barrel. There isn’t much in-game power in his bat but he is quick inside. Park’s swing is inside-out and he doesn’t look to drive the ball, resulting in only 9 double in 285 ABs. He has the barrel control and maturity though to add power with a change in approach. Park can play up the middle and has good speed on the basepaths. His ceiling is limited due to his hit tool but that could all change if he starts pulling the ball in the air more frequently. FV 40 – Moderate Risk

39. Dermis Garcia, 3B
Age: 20 (1/7/98) Prev. Rank: 22
Level: A

It feels like Dermis Garcia has been around forever and it’s hard to imagine that he is still only 20. He has a plus sized frame that will likely necessitate a move to 1B. As a hitter, Garcia’s carrying tool will be his plus power. 70 raw. But the swing and miss and poor hit tool limit his ceiling. FV 45 – Extreme Risk

40. Anthony Garcia, OF
Age: 17 (9/5/00) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: Rookie

Garcia is a physical specimen. At 6’6” and 240 lbs., he is still learning how to use his body. He is a bit awkward on both sides of the ball but that is to be expected as he grown so much in the past few years. Garcia has 80 raw power at present but game power is limited by an aggressive pull approach. He has trouble picking up spin and his swing gets long at times. The hit tool should improve with reps but he still has a long ways to go. FV 45 – Extreme Risk

41. Evan Alexander, OF
Age: 20 (2/26/98) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: A

Alexander is an exceptional athlete with a strong throwing arm. His swing gets a bit long and he is still learning to hit but his athleticism stands out. He has shown good patience at the plate and has a knack for finding the barrel. FV 45 – Extreme Risk

42. Mandy Alvarez, 3B
Age: 24 (7/14/95) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: AA

Alvarez has a strong, athletic frame with a good feel for the barrel. While he doesn’t have the ceiling of guys on this list below him, his approach is much more refined. There isn’t much swing and miss and Alvarez has shown the ability to hit for power this season. His ceiling is a utility infielder. FV 40 – Moderate Risk

43. Ryder Green, OF
Age: 18 (5/5/00) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: Rookie

Taken in the 3rd round of the 2018 draft, Green is a strong, well built kid. He is an exceptional athlete with plus raw power and a plus arm in RF. However, Green has had trouble making contact in the GCL as he consistently expands the zone and has trouble picking up spin. If he can refine the hit tool even to a future 45, he has the power to play everyday in RF. Though, he has a long ways to go to get there. FV 45 – Extreme Risk

44. Adonis Rosa, RHP
Age: 23 (11/17/94) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: AA

Rosa has an athletic frame and delivery with minimal body projection left. He features a mid to low 90’s FB and a nice hard SL that generates weak contact. Command is an issue at times and the lack of a reliable 3rd pitch limits his ceiling as a SP. He may play up in long relief role. FV 45 Extreme Risk

45. Jio Orozco, RHP
Age: 21 (8/15/97) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: A

Projectable frame with unathletic delivery. FB sits low 90’s, considered heavy with occasional cut. CB 75-76, sharp bite but inconsistent. CH is firm, above-average pitch, with excellent arm speed. Has a chance to become back of the rotation SP if the CB develops. FV 45 – Extreme Risk

46. Wilkerman Garcia, SS
Age: 20 (4/1/98) Prev. Rank: 17
Level: A

Switch hitter with good feel for hard contact. More advanced swing from LH side. Gap power currently but should project into 45 game power with maturity. Versatile infielder with plus arm. Ceiling of utility infielder with a chance to start. Will need to shorten up the swing to improve the hit tool. FV 45 – High Risk

47. Stanley Rosario, OF
Age: 17 (12/1/00) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: Rookie

Signed for only $300K, Rosario is a strong left handed hitter with plus body projection. He profiles as a LF with a fringe arm and average to below average speed. He has plus raw power and when he is going good, a compact stroke. He is quick inside but like most young hitters, is still raw and struggles to pick up spin. FV 45 – Extreme Risk

48. Pablo Olivares, OF
Age: 20 (1/17/98) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: A+

Olivares has an athletic build but is a bit undersized. Patient approach with good bat speed on FBs inside. . Power is starting to develop as well and may continue to grow with maturity. The type of player that doesn’t have one standout tool but does a lot of things well. FV 45 – Moderate Risk

49. Jason Lopez, C
Age: 20 (3/16/98)
Level: A+

Lopez was just called up to Tampa after raking the Sally to the tune of .285/.330/.453 with 8 HR. Lopez is an athletic catcher with a good feel for the barrel. Unlike most of his teammates in Charleston, Lopez doesn’t expand the zone or swing at everything the pitcher throws. A promotion to the FSL is well earned and I will get a chance to see if the offensive adjustments play against advanced pitchers. FV 45 – High Risk

50. Jose Villa, 3B
Age: 19 (11/16/98) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: Rookie

Excellent feel for the barrel. Consistent line drives with gap power. Has a strong, athletic frame and should see more HR power as he matures. Presently, Villa aggressively ambushes FB’s early in the count. May struggle once he faces pitchers that will start the count with off-speed in the zone. Below average defender, has played 3B/1B/LF and below average speed. Bat will carry the profile. FV 45 – Extreme Risk

And for good measure…. Let’s close this list with another young arm that throws 95+ that the Yankees signed for virtually nothing.

Anderson Munoz, RHP
Age: 20 (8/4/98) Prev. Rank: NR
Level: Rookie

Munoz is a bit undersized but has a big arm. His FB sits 95 while his curve flashes some spin. He is working on a CH as well. Munoz is raw and struggles to repeat his delivery, which isn’t an athletic delivery. That has lead to 20 grade command. When he is over the plate, he has shown the ability to generate swing and miss on the FB/CB combo. FV 40 – Extreme Risk

But what about….?

Zack Zehner – 4th OF, lot of swing and miss. With injuries in the OF, it’s telling that NY didn’t call on him.

Donny Sands – Like the athleticism. Still a below average defender at catcher. Lots of pre-AB movement with swing and miss.

Ezequiel Duran – Love him. Plus bat speed with an aggressive state side assignment. Defensively, he is a 2B. Lots of swing and miss that needs to be worked out.

Kyle Holder – I watch this kid and can’t figure out for the life of me why he isn’t more successful. I like his swing, he is a good athlete, smooth defender. Yet, the results just aren’t there on a consistent basis.

Nick Green – Doesn’t possess swing and miss stuff. Solid SP in minors that can eat up innings. Ceiling of a long reliver.

Leonardo Molina – Lot of swing and miss with minimal power. Good athlete. Could develop as a 4th OF with improved hit tool.

Canaan Smith – Really struggled as a 19-year-old in an aggressive assignment in Staten Island. Has some pop. Hit tool exposed against college aged pitchers.

 

All photos, videos, tweets via Jason Woodell (@JasonAtTheGame on Twitter)

Jason Woodell has written about prospects for numerous sites. He got his start with Prospects1500 and has provided reports on prospects for Baseball Prospectus, 2080 Baseball, and Pinstriped Prospects. Jason is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and former model in Jordan. He lives in Tampa, likes dogs, craft beer, and his wife…not necessarily in that order.
Follow him on Twitter @JasonAtTheGame.




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